{"id":4217,"date":"2022-03-03T17:02:59","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T11:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/?p=4217"},"modified":"2022-03-08T08:44:25","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T03:14:25","slug":"what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Master Key USPS? (+ Other Common FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>USPS handles millions of mail pieces a year and has access to every mailbox in the country so that they can distribute all of that mail.<\/p>\n<p>So, it makes sense that USPS would have a master key- but what is it, and how does it work? If you\u2019d like to find out, keep reading!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_18 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#What_Is_A_Master_Key_At_USPS_In_2022\" title=\"What Is A Master Key At USPS In 2022?\">What Is A Master Key At USPS In 2022?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#What_Does_A_USPS_Master_Key_Do\" title=\"What Does A USPS Master Key Do?\">What Does A USPS Master Key Do?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#Do_All_USPS_Mailmen_Have_Master_Keys\" title=\"Do All USPS Mailmen Have Master Keys?\">Do All USPS Mailmen Have Master Keys?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#Can_You_Get_Fired_For_Losing_A_USPS_Master_Key\" title=\"Can You Get Fired For Losing A USPS Master Key?\">Can You Get Fired For Losing A USPS Master Key?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#Can_You_Make_Copies_Of_A_USPS_Master_Key\" title=\"Can You Make Copies Of A USPS Master Key?\">Can You Make Copies Of A USPS Master Key?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_A_Master_Key_At_USPS_In_2022\"><\/span><span id=\"What_Is_A_Master_Key_At_USPS_In_2022\">What Is A Master Key At USPS In 2022?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>A USPS master key (also known as an arrow key) is a special type of key that\u2019s specific to a certain postal route and geographical area in 2022. The arrow key for a given route gives the carrier access to gated communities and restricted buildings, as well as all of the blue collection boxes and apartment\/ condo mailbox panels on the route. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot of power behind just one key, so be sure to keep reading to find out how these keys are protected and who is allowed to have one!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_A_USPS_Master_Key_Do\"><\/span><span id=\"What_Does_A_USPS_Master_Key_Do\">What Does A USPS Master Key Do?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A USPS master key is also referred to as an arrow key, which is arguably one of the most important things a carrier can have on them, as it allows them access to all of the places on their route.<\/p>\n<p>Arrow keys are designed specifically for a given route in a certain geographic area, and the arrow key for each route will always be different.<\/p>\n<p>The arrow key for any given route allows the carrier access to a myriad of places, such as apartment and condo mailbox panels.<\/p>\n<p>This can contain hundreds of mailboxes, as well as the blue collection boxes along their route and even gated communities and restricted buildings.<\/p>\n<p>An arrow key allows for the fast, accurate, and efficient dispersal of mail by a mail carrier and enables millions of Americans the comfort and ease of a timely, reliable postal service.<\/p>\n<p>In the wrong hands, however, arrow keys can result in thousands of cases of stolen identities using the personal information in someone\u2019s mailbox. Material theft, breaking and entering and stalking are also possibilities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_All_USPS_Mailmen_Have_Master_Keys\"><\/span><span id=\"Do_All_USPS_Mailmen_Have_Master_Keys\">Do All USPS Mailmen Have Master Keys?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not all USPS mailmen or carriers have master keys on hand all the time, though many of them do.<\/p>\n<p>This largely depends on the route a mail carrier is working- for example, a carrier on a more rural route wouldn\u2019t need an arrow key if they\u2019re delivering mail to residential boxes along a country road.<\/p>\n<p>For more densely populated, urban areas, however, an arrow key becomes more critical because there are more apartment buildings, mailbox panels, and collection boxes a carrier would need access to.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, in order to maintain the safety of mail carriers and the integrity of the arrow key system, carriers with arrow keys are required to wear them on a chain attached to their clothes at all times.<\/p>\n<p>Carriers are also required to sign out keys every morning and sign them back into their place in the evenings so that they could all be accounted for.<\/p>\n<p>When the arrow keys aren\u2019t on a carrier\u2019s person or being counted by a clerk, they\u2019re kept in locked safes at the post office, typically with both alarm codes and cameras on standby past the regular lock system.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Get_Fired_For_Losing_A_USPS_Master_Key\"><\/span><span id=\"Can_You_Get_Fired_For_Losing_A_USPS_Master_Key\">Can You Get Fired For Losing A USPS Master Key?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><picture class=\"wp-image-15626 size-full aligncenter sp-no-webp\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54.webp 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54.jpg 800w, https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-15626 size-full aligncenter sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Can You Get Fired For Losing A USPS Master Key?\" height=\"450\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54.jpg 800w, https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-design-54-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll get fired for losing a USPS arrow\/master key, and there are several reasons for this.<\/p>\n<p>The first reason is, depending on the post office you\u2019re working at, arrow key security can be more lax than it should be and the post office often has multiples of each key on hand.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, they may not notice it\u2019s gone and you\u2019ll still have access to a key that will work for your route.<\/p>\n<p>Another more likely reason that you don\u2019t need to worry about losing your job is that USPS values people.<\/p>\n<p>The USPS handbooks state that, while there is a certain set of instructions for how to proceed when you\u2019ve lost a key, the most important thing stressed is that you need to report it and stay safe.<\/p>\n<p>There have been multiple reports of injuries and even deaths because a USPS carrier tried to prevent someone from taking their arrow key- ultimately, it\u2019s just a key, and your life and wellbeing are far more important.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to read more on the updated Standard Operating Procedure from USPS on how to report a lost arrow key, proper handling of an arrow key, and more, you can check out <a href=\"https:\/\/wirlca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Arrow-Key-Standard-Work-Instructions-April-23-2020.pdf\" data-lasso-id=\"73232\" data-old-href=\"https:\/\/wirlca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Arrow-Key-Standard-Work-Instructions-April-23-2020.pdf\">the USPS updated handbook<\/a> on arrow keys.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Make_Copies_Of_A_USPS_Master_Key\"><\/span><span id=\"Can_You_Make_Copies_Of_A_USPS_Master_Key\">Can You Make Copies Of A USPS Master Key?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can\u2019t make a copy of an arrow key, as this is a felony and comes with serious jail time. As well, there\u2019s no reason you would need a copy, as USPS already has copies of all of the arrow keys in their possession.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also important to note that all arrow keys have \u201cdo not replicate\u201d listed on them, which means if you take them anywhere to be copied, it\u2019s likely the key will be confiscated from you.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to learn more, you can also read our posts on <a href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/pse-mail-processing-clerk-usps\/\" data-lasso-id=\"73233\" data-old-href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/pse-mail-processing-clerk-usps\/\">PSE mail processing clerk USPS<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/usps-carrier-facility\/\" data-lasso-id=\"73234\" data-old-href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/usps-carrier-facility\/\">USPS carrier facility<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/how-long-does-usps-forward-mail\/\" data-lasso-id=\"73235\" data-old-href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/how-long-does-usps-forward-mail\/\">how long does USPS forwards mail<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><span id=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A USPS master key, also known as an arrow key, is a key that is specific to a certain postal route and geographic area.<\/p>\n<p>Arrow keys are intended to open collection boxes, apartment\/ condo mailbox panels, and allow carriers access to gated communities along their route.<\/p>\n<p>Arrow keys have a strict safety process, including being chained to a carrier when they\u2019re on duty, being signed in and out of a locked office when in use, and returned to a well-guarded safe when not in use.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>USPS handles millions of mail pieces a year and has access to every mailbox in the country so that they can distribute all of that mail. So, it makes sense that USPS would have a master key- but what is it, and how does it work? If you\u2019d like to find out, keep reading! Key &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/what-is-a-master-key-usps-other-common-faqs\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What Is A Master Key USPS? (+ Other Common FAQs)<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4218,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/1646307180_Untitled-design-25-2.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":8972,"url":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/usps-lost-mailbox-key-what-to-do-replacement-cost\/","url_meta":{"origin":4217,"position":0},"title":"USPS Lost Mailbox Key (What To Do + Replacement Cost)","date":"July 30, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"If you live in an apartment building or in a housing complex with a central mailbox, then you probably have a mailbox key. 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I\u2019ve researched the\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-9-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2246,"url":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/does-usps-deliver-to-door-how-to-apartment-door-more\/","url_meta":{"origin":4217,"position":4},"title":"Does USPS Deliver To Door? (How To, Apartment Door + More)","date":"February 27, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The United States Postal Service has a long tradition of making its way through snowstorms, monsoon, and heat waves to deliver our mail. Despite budget shake-ups and leadership changes, the USPS reliably gets our letters, packages, and bills to our mailboxes. 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This network\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wordxa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Untitled-design-31-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4217"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4217"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6243,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4217\/revisions\/6243"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordxa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}